“The awards are publicly acknowledging the value of these firms to our economy as a whole, which in itself is credit-worthy.

“We will be trying to drum up as much support as we can for our nomination to be in with a chance to come away with an award as ambassadors for the North East region.”

Family Business United is a resource centre set up to promote the achievements of family-run businesses and launched the awards in recognition of family businesses’ contribution to the economy.

NBT faces competition from English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues, Slaters, which owns the world’s largest menswear store in Glasgow, and Floris London, which has sold perfumes and shaving products since 1730, for the top title.

Mr Bridges said: “To be considered next to such successful businesses is certainly an honour and we are looking forward to the awards ceremony where we will get to meet the faces behind them.

“There is always more to learn in business and finding out about how others work will prove very valuable.

“We would like to see family businesses sustaining their place in the market for many years to come and see this as a great way to generate further support for family operations in the region.”